Sturgis Rally Facts

The 4th Annual Rally

(August 16-18, 1940) was the first year with printed Tshirts (all maroon colored) advertising the rally were sold.

August 12-14, 1938

was the first Rally with organizational help from the local Sturgis businessmen. There were 9 racers for that Saturday. 8 Indian bikes and 1 Harley. The over all named champion was Johnny Spiegelhoff Pappy Hoel crashed through a 'burning wall' which became a common practice for many future Sturgis Rallies.

1942 - 1945

the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was cancelled due to WWII and related gas rationing.